What tires do you like...

[Danimal]

Looking at picking up some new tires, of course I want the best of every world. High traction, no rolling resistance, and super durable.

These will be replacing my Panaracer Fire DH's, I love them but they are monsters and have decided to winterize them.

[manual63]

I wonder if this thread will end up like the chain one.....:)

Here, I will start the debate....:laugh:

http://www.kendausa.com/_DOWNLOADS/images/model/07sb8.jpg

This is the Small Block 8. I also like the Maxxis Larson TT's. The reason I like both of these tires is because the tread is the same depth on the sides as in the middle. Too many MTB tires have a taller side tread which, unless you are riding sandy stuff or mud (I hope not) you don't need. On most of the trails here, the taller side tread flexes when you lean into corners causing you to wash out. Also, the angle of the taller treads, because they don't round with the tire surface, make it so you don't get a full contact patch on the ground when leaning into a corner. You want just as much rubber on the ground when cornering as you do when riding straight.

I know this is another BMX referrence, but BMX tires have always been well rounded and have never had the tall sidewall tread making a more squarish shaped tire surface. I never quite understood why an MTB tire would ever be more squared off.

I know the Fire XC Pro's are loved by many too. Thsoe are also mostly rounded tires......but not at much as the Larson's and the 8's.

I also run a much larger tire, even on my SS XC ride. I run 2.4's and like the extra volume for more tire surface and more padding when landing on stuff. Basically, the larger the tire, the lower pressure you can run without pinch flatting. Lower pressure helps give you better traction, especially on rocks and such.

Hope that helps some.

[gopherhockey]

Ted got me into the SB8s.... I think ideal for hard-pack trail conditions but I'd question it on softer soil. Salem wasn't as ideal with the 8s.

I rode the fire xc's for part of last year. An average tire not great at anything but not bad either. A good all around and can be had at a decent price for UST. I'll bring them as a back-up to Fruita in case the 8s suck there.

[Kosk]

Dan,

If you love the Fire 2.3 DHs that much, why not get some Fire 2.3 AMs (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=22599&subcategory_ID=5430)?
Same exact tire without the extra weight of the dual side wall.
They are a Perf.com exclusive though, so don't bother looking anywhere else for them. Don't forget about the Fire 2.4 FRs either.

[Kosk]

Ted got me into the SB8s.... I think ideal for hard-pack trail conditions but I'd question it on softer soil. Salem wasn't as ideal with the 8s.

I rode the fire xc's for part of last year. An average tire not great at anything but not bad either. A good all around and can be had at a decent price for UST. I'll bring them as a back-up to Fruita in case the 8s suck there.

Agree, Salem is a little "gravely" for the 8's.

You shouldn't have much trouble with the 8s in Fruita. I rode mine there last year and thought they did great. I thought with the rock hard dirt trails out there I might have a little trouble, but the "velcro" analogy held true even in the less-than-tacky conditions.

Note I was running dual 2.35s though. I like the larger tire up front for added steering traction. I've found that to hold pretty constant across every tire style as well, bigger up front is better. IMO the jump in front end traction/steering from 2.1 to >=2.3 in front is worth the weight penalty.

[Heuy]

I've never ran any of the tires mentioned here, I would like to comment on Chris's question in the other thread as far as rider ability and tire selection.

As you progress you generally get more fluid and also get better at using your inertia. this means you can do more with less traction. So, then if the object is to go faster you can get a less aggressive/lower rolling resistance tire to go fast, using skill in the technical sections.

The flip side is as one rides more/gets more fit the issue of rolling resistance gets to be not as important because you'll find technical issues limiting speed instead of the ability to put power to the ground. Especially in tight places like Wirth and Hillside.

In conclusion,
Get tires that compliment your riding style and make-up for your weaknesses.

I usually recommend wider more aggressive tires for those getting into mountain biking that are triathletes, runners, super fit cardio machines etc.

If you're a guy like myself, coming in with ability to drive offroad, but not lance Armstrong, conserve power. My favorites are Huthinson pythons, haven't bought tires in a few years, though, so I don't know if there's anything better.

[RiverRat]

Might as well fan the flames some more.

Michelin Hot S - your get out of jail (or stay out of the rhubarb) free card.

[bikeoutback]

Like I said before I'm in a bit of a money pinch therefore I'm online shopping instead of LBS, but ebay has all kinds of tires at which I can pick up pairs fo tires for what the MSRP is on a single tire and individual tires for cheaper yet. Is it a good idea to run the same tire up front and in back? I was considering SB8 in the back and Nevegal in the front but it's only a consideration. I've also been looking at Panaracer.
Considerations on running the 2 different tires is mainly that I do ride Salem about half the time and it is a bit more gravely and sandy.
Considerations on the panaracer is I'm a big guy and I know Bob runs them on his 29" so hoping the 26" would run good for me.

Also the bike came with 26x2.3 so I want to stick with a 2.3/2.35 as I am bigger and have had pinch flat issues and want to reduce that possibility, adjusting air pressure has helped though too.

I never thought there would be this much thought into a bike tire!!

[crux]

What no other catagory?

WTB Moto Raptor has been god to me and measures 2.36" with my caliper.

If I had to pick from your list. All around would be Fire XC, Hardpack the SB8.